This research network builds on 5 years of informal existence of the AFIPS, an initiative to promote the Development of Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa. In a vibrant context of recent and multiple initiatives in Sciences of the Universe (SU) across the continent, the specificity of this network is to focus on SU areas having synergies with geosciences: early history of the Earth and planets, the coupling between internal, surface and atmospheric processes, comparative planetology, geological mapping of planetary surfaces, the Earth within its environment, including Earth-Sun interactions, meteors, meteorites, impact craters and their consequences on crustal evolution. The activities within the network are divided in four domains:

1) Remote sensing geological mapping of planetary surfaces, comparative planetology with Africa-based planetary analogues,

2) Meteorites and impact science,

3) Space physics, space weather,

4) Astronomical observations of Earth neighborhoods, from space debris to asteroids.

These research activities have impacts on society and address at least 3 of the 17 SDGs, by contributing to development through skills transfer and application of these skills to solve problems and via public outreach in collaboration with associations for the promotion of science. It also aims to highlight and protect the under-explored geo-heritage of the African continent such as meteorites, impact structures, geological sites, and dark sky reserves.

The research network is funded by the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) for the period 2024 – 2028 (4 years) and receives institutional support from all the involved partners.